2021 Stoller Vineyard Pinot Noir

90 points - Wine Enthusiast

TASTING NOTES FROM WINEMAKER, KATIE SANTORA
The aromatics take the spotlight in this remarkable wine, rich with notes of juicy cherry pie and dark undertones of baking spice. The mouthfeel is dense and concentrated with juicy fruit that runs the length of the palate, as lovely notes of barrel toast and spice come together in a silky finish. I look forward to watching this wine evolve in the bottle as it does in the glass.

VINTAGE OVERVIEW
The 2021 growing season was warmer than average in the Willamette Valley, producing beautifully ripe fruit with vibrant flavors. A dry spring led to lingering rain showers during bloom, which reduced the yield in some blocks. Then, an abnormal heatwave spread across the valley, with temperatures reaching as high as 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Fortunately, the fruit prospered as high temperatures occurred between bloom and veraison when berries were hard and less sensitive to damage. Temperatures tapered off prior to harvest, with warm days and cool nights, which allowed the fruit to ripen at an even and slower pace. Quick yet seemingly smooth, harvest started on August 21 with little to no breaks until we finished on September 26. The resulting wines are balanced with focused flavors, stunning fruit, gorgeous vibrancy, and incredible aging potential.